Not only can students stand to gain something from Ethnogeology, but the discipline itself benefits from the inclusion of native knowledge. An early example of this can be found in accounts of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s expedition. Lewis and Clark were explores sent with an expedition party known as the Corps of Discovery, to uncharted American interior to the Pacific Northwest in 1804–06. (History.com, 2009) They received help from Native Americans in several different ways. The Natives were helpful with the process of identifying various species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, plants, trees, and shrubs. (USGS, 2005) More specifically when relating to the geosciences, they assisted Lewis and Clark with the best routes to take through the terrain. The Native Americans communicated concepts of their cultural, physical, and scared …show more content…
It draws heavily upon oral history, told by native people. Indigenous or Aboriginal people have a culture and history that is heavily dependent on stories. Myths, legends, and histories are passed down orally. These stories can also influence and enhance overall geologic knowledge. They can also provide a new perspective on geologic knowledge and provide students with a more in-depth look. Native stories often represent scientific thought and its applications metaphorically. (Arias, 2016) For example, The people Uitoto people of the Amazon, have a story known that tells of the origin of the Amazon. The story reads as follows (Abrev.